Members of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) have expressed concern over the treatment of veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye in Luzira Maximum Prison. During a recent visit, Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura shared troubling details about Dr. Besigye’s conditions, including his restricted access to food. Nyanjura revealed that despite bringing Dr. Besigye food items such as posho, milk, millet flour, honey, cooking oil, rice, and Blue Band, the prison authorities refused to allow him to consume them. Instead, Dr. Besigye was told he could either eat the prison’s food or starve. According to Nyanjura, Dr. Besigye expressed a lack of trust in the prison food and remarked that he might starve to death before the date set by General Muhoozi.
Dr. Besigye, arrested in Kenya alongside his aide Hajji Obeid Kamulegeya last year, has been remanded in Luzira on charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. Nyanjura also highlighted additional restrictions on Dr. Besigye’s treatment, such as the prohibition of physical visits. Prisoners must communicate with him via a phone booth provided by the authorities. Furthermore, Dr. Besigye is reportedly prevented from interacting with other inmates and is even denied the opportunity to participate in religious services, living in what Nyanjura described as a “prison within a prison.”
In response, Uganda Prisons spokesperson Frank Baine denied the allegations, calling them unfounded. “We are simply fulfilling our professional duties in managing Dr. Kizza Besigye,” Baine said, dismissing claims of restrictions as untrue.
